I'm sitting in Blues & Greens waiting for one of my two Fiancées currently sleeping in the hotel. I'm having lunch with Fiancée #7, Todd "Buck Weed" Edmunds! My WEED!!! They're here! Thursday and Friday nights our own Jason Ricci (#3) & New Blood are back ($10)! Two nights! As usual, if you would like a seat, come early. Tickets are also selling, so be safe and call ahead.
Last Friday night we had John Lee Hooker, Jr. in the room, and it was a sold out party, with dancing all over the place. That was SOME FUN! We think they will be back in July. I'll let you know.
Saturday night my dear Paul Soderman and his band, Bluezhouse, will hit Blues & Greens stage for their inaugural gig with us. I'm such a fan of Paul's singing, that when he walked in on my birthday to sing, I nearly started crying. Thanks Paul, and I'll see you Saturday.
Next Thursday, March 13, welcomes Muddy's son, Big Bill Morganfield, backed by My Beloved Delta Sonics. It's also the night of the big CBS Board Meeting, so lots of friends will be in the house.
Last week, I mentioned the Certificates Dan and I received from John Catt and the Grand County Blues Society regarding our efforts with Blue Star Connection. Just read this from John Catt:
This was a letter from Emily: I heard about the Blue star kids from a friend on teen cancer support page. Well I am seventeen I have had a cancer called osteosarcoma since I was eleven. I love music, I write songs; music is something I can do to handle all the things that come with cancer. I play the guitar but I desperately need a good quality acoustic guitar. I would be very thankful if you can make my wish come true and help me get the guitar i need.
This is from Gracey, 12yrs old, who's been trying to get well enough to get to the music store to get her guitar, it was suppose to happen yesterday , so when I got home I emailed her and asked if she made it to the store, her answer: (Catt)
Yes. I got my guitar. I love it, I named it John Lennon
Any questions? These are but two of the reasons I hold an annual fund-raiser for this organization. Thank you for the updates, John.
Now, I want to get the information regarding Ron Thompson's plight. This is from his Manager/Sidekick, Jackie McCort: Sunday, March 22
BLUESFLASH As you may have heard, Ron Thompson suffered a physical setback recently. But the good news is that he is on the mend! On Thursday, February 19th, Ron was admitted to Saint Rose Hospital in Hayward with a severe case of pneumonia—so severe that the bacteria went into his bloodstream. Ron spent four days in the hospital, part of that time in ICU, but sprang back quickly, thanks to the excellent care of the Saint Rose medical team. Ron was released from the hospital on Sunday, February 22nd, and is expected to make a full recovery. He is taking a long overdue and well-needed recess from performing, but should be back in the saddle soon! When times get tough, you know who your friends are, and Ron has so many wonderful friends! He needs each and every one at this time to help him cope with all this, including addressing a rather astonishing hospital bill and being able to make the rent payment while he's recuperating. Angels from every part of California and also Colorado are jumping forward to help, as several fund-raising benefits are in the works already. If you would like to help, by offering your musical talents, your organizing skills, or providing items for auction/raffle—please get in touch with the contact(s) listed below. If you would like to host your own benefit to help Ron through this financial crunch, just email or call Jackie McCort, Ron's business manager, at jackie@rtblues.com or 510.693.8277, so that we can add your event to the list and notify folks in your area. A special bank account has been set up specifically for Ron's medical bills at Bank of America in Hayward CA. To make a donation, please send checks payable to: “Ron Thompson, Account #0014-73814” Bank of America 1200 “A” Street HaywardCA 94544 We will be setting up a “one click” method for donations through Ron's website in the next few days. If you would prefer to contribute online, please check the website in a day or so. All donations are tax deductible. Please note: This account is specifically set up for donations to help Ron defray expenses associated with his hospitalization. All other business transactions will be handled separately as before. Ron would really like to thank everyone for their love and encouragement during this difficult time. He is overwhelmed by your kindness and real grassroots support. Ron is honored to have the backing of such a fine fan base and artist community. (Continues Next Column)
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Wed 3/4 - Songwriter's Night hosted by Jenn Cleary W/ Guest Sally Morgan Thu 3/5 - Jason Ricci & New Blood ($10)
Fri 3/6 - Jason Ricci& New Blood($10) Sat 3/7 - Blueszhouse w/ Paul Soderman Sun 3/8 - Blues Jam w/ Lionel & Mark ~~~~~~
Thu 3/12 - Harper
Fri 3/13 - Big Bill Morganfield($10) Sat 3/14 - Tempa & The Temptations Sun 3/15 - Jazz Jam w/ Mark Diamond
BENEFITS FOR RON THOMPSON
Sunday, March 22 6-10 PM All Star Pro Jam Boulder Outlook Hotel 800 - 28th Street BoulderCO 80303 $10 donation at the door. Auction items are just coming in, but include: Four 2-day passes to Blues From the Top (June 27 & 27, Winter Park, CO); four passes to the Greeley Blues Jam (June 13); and drum roll please!!! One week at a private, 400-year-old "Villetta" in the Cannereggio Sestiero in Venice, Italy (this is a live item), owned by author and Art Historian, Dr. Toni Sepeda. This includes a signed copy of her lastest literary offering, Brunetti's Venice: Walks Through the Novels. Line-up to be announced, but the jam is being headed by 2008 IBC Solo Winner, Lionel Young. The Outook's jams are FAMOUS! Ron will be playing at the Outlook that week—expect to see him at the jam too! For more information: Honey Bee Sepeda at honey.sepeda@gmail.com Special thanks to Gary Guesnier, Honey Bee, Dan King (Ambassador of Cool and proprietor of the Outlook), Jill Watkins, Lionel Young, and John Lee Hooker, Jr. Sunday, March 29 4-8 PM The Poor House Bistro 91 South Autumn Street San JoseCA 95110
Line-up to be announced soon!
Saturday, April 11 Time TBA The Torch Club and the Sierra Blues Society 904 - 15th Street SacramentoCA 95814
The line-up is still under construction and will be announced soon. Prizes for a drawing are needed!For more information: Thom Meyers at 530/268-9166 or thom_myers@sbbmail.com
Saturday, April 25 3-8 PM The Mojo Lounge 3714 Peralta Blvd FremontCA94536
Musical talent is being rounded up and we will have complete information soon. STICK AROUND AFTER THE BENEFIT! RON THOMPSON AND HIS RESISTORS WILL TAKE THE STAGE AT 9:30 PM! For more information: Larry Catlin at 510/943-7865 or llarcat@yahoo.com
Thanks, Jackie, and we're all looking forward to seeing you and spoiling Ron! Ron will be performing solo on March 19, and with the Resistors on March 20. Then, that Sunday will be the big jam. It might start at 5:00 p.m. We're not sure yet.
Tonight we have the Songwriters' Night with, well, here, I'll let Jenn tell you herself via an email she sent me:
Hi Honey- FYI, I am sipping tea, looking out over the Alps and rehearsing for my 3 week musical stint here in Europe. Not to make you jealous or anything, just stating the facts. Anyway, wanted to let you know that because I haven’t figured out how to be 2 places at the same time yet, Scott Dale will be the official host at the upcoming Songwriter’s Open Mic next Wednesday. The featured guest will be a lovely upcoming singer-songwriter, Sally Morgan accompanied by non other than Beth Wilberger of McCumberland Gap on the fiddle and chiming in with fabulous harmonies. Should be a sweet evening. Wish I could figure out this bi-location business. Oh well, there it is. Warm regards, Jenn Not trying to make me jealous? I hate it when you lie!
One more thing: Happy Birthday, Kendogg!

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